What started as an exciting Safari adventure turned deadly when a Chinese tourist was trampled to death by a herd of elephants at a reserve in northeastern Botswana over the weekend, the official Xinhua News Agency reported today.

The victim, who was not identified, was with a group of Chinese tourists enjoying the sight of elephants inside the reserve when he allegedly decided to disembark from the tourist vehicle in order to take pictures of the elephants.

Like Us on Facebook

The elephants, however, turned violent and headed towards the Chinese tourist. The cause of the elephants’ behavior that day was not immediately known, said local police chief Ismael Morebodi. It was not also clear if the Chinese tourist had touched the elephants or did something that triggered the attack.

Four other Chinese tourists were injured in the attack, the police said. The Xinhua report did not mention how the elephants were made to stop trampling on the fallen tourist. The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival, said Morebodi.

“It happened so fast. The victim was happily taking pictures of the elephants and the attack suddenly occurred,” Morebodi told Xinhua, quoting sources who witnessed the attack. An investigation has been launched.

The number of Chinese tourist visiting Africa has increased over the years as Chinese travelers look for exotic destinations in their trips. Botswana has become one of the favorite Chinese destinations in the continent because its large elephant population.

The attack occurred while Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is in Africa for his eight-day, four-country official trip aimed at further deepening the bilateral relations of China and the African countries.

TagsBotswana, Chinese Tourists, Chinese Tourist Killed